MLB Player News

O'Neill (forehead) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians and is considered unlikely to be available for Thursday's series finale, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

O'Neill was removed from Monday's 6-0 loss to Cleveland after a collision in the outfield with teammate Rafael Devers and was fortunate to avoid a concussion, but he suffered a cut on his forehead and needed eight stitches to seal his wound. Though manager Alex Cora expressed confidence Tuesday that O'Neill would be ready to play by Thursday, the outfielder isn't yet taking part in baseball activities on the field, so the Red Sox are expected to play it safe with him for another day. On a positive note, O'Neill hasn't been shut down from physical activity entirely, as he's been able to work out on his own.

The Astros optioned Whitley to Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Whitley will return to Triple-A just one day after being recalled for his MLB debut. He allowed one hit and one walk but did not surrender a run through two-thirds of an inning against Atlanta on Tuesday. The 26-year-old's departure opens a spot on the active roster that will presumably be given to Justin Verlander (shoulder) when he returns Friday.

Martin (shoulder) tossed a perfect eighth inning en route to earning his third hold of the season in Tuesday's 10-7 loss to the Guardians in 11 innings.

Martin experienced soreness in his non-throwing shoulder last weekend and wasn't available for the Red Sox's series finale against the Angels, but he was back in action Tuesday and didn't seem affected by the injury during his brief time on the mound. The right-hander now sports a 5.14 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB across seven innings out of the Boston bullpen this season.

McArthur earned the save in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox, allowing one hit while recording a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

After allowing four runs in his first three outings this season, McArthur's rebounded with six consecutive scoreless appearances as he improves to 4-for-5 in save chances with a 3.72 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB through his first 9.2 innings this year. While Will Smith could still see the occasional save chance against a string of left-handed batters, the 27-year-old McArthur appears to be the go-to closing option in Kansas City.

Yoshida isn't in the Red Sox's lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Yoshida will get a chance to clear his head Wednesday after going 0-for-10 across the first two games of the series. His absence will move Rafael Devers into the DH spot while Pablo Reyes starts at third base and bats eighth.

Singer did not factor into the decision in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out five.

All of the damage against Singer came on Paul DeJong's two-run homer in the second inning. The right-hander hadn't given up more than a single run in his three starts prior to Wednesday -- Singer's now allowed four runs in 23.1 innings this season, all coming via the home-run ball. Overall, he's 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB. Singer's next start is tentatively scheduled for early next week against Toronto.

McGuire isn't in Boston's lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

McGuire is just 2-for-13 across his last five games, so he'll sit out Wednesday while Connor Wong starts behind the plate and bats sixth.

Drury won't start and will only be available to pinch hit Wednesday and Thursday against the Rays due to left hamstring tightness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Drury may still be used as supplementary help with batting, but he will miss his third straight start come Thursday. Though his ability to still pinch hit if necessary is encouraging, the Angels are being cautious with the 31-year-old's hamstring issue, and it is still unknown if he will return to the field Friday against the Reds.

Kopech (0-2) blew the save and ultimately took the loss in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Royals, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out one.

Called upon to protect a one-run lead in the eighth inning, Kopech gave up a one-out single to Bobby Witt before Salvador Perez launched a two-run homer, sticking Kopech with his first blown save and the loss. The right-hander has already earned a pair of multi-inning saves this season, meaning Kopech is 2-for-3 in save chances this year with a 3.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB through his first 10.1 innings.

Cannon did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Royals, allowing one run on three hits and a walk while striking out three over five innings.

Cannon turned in a strong effort in his first major-league appearance, holding Kansas City to a lone run in the second inning. The 23-year-old right-hander won't offer high strikeout totals, but he's demonstrated advanced control and an ability to generate groundballs thanks to a sinker that he threw 39 percent of the time in his debut. At this point it's not entirely clear whether Cannon will stick in the rotation.